What is the difference between the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Board of Plastic surgery?

The ABPS is the certifying agency that tests candidates to be sure that they are appropriately trained.  The ASPS is a society that promotes the specialty, provides guidelines for the surgeons, and advances the science by way of research and education. You have to be certified by the ABPS to be a member of the ASPS.

The ABPS is the governing body that examines residents finishing their training to make sure they are safe to perform surgery. ABPS certification should be your bare minimum criteria to look for in choosing an American surgeon. It is similar to the Royal College in AUS. The ASPS is the society for surgeons to continue education beyond residency and to ensure a high standard of practice. Not all ABPS certified surgeons will meet the criteria to join ASPS which include a minimum of 1-2 years in practice, practicing at an accredited facility and two letters of sponsorship from current ASPS members vouching for the surgeon. Ideally, your surgeon should be both ABPS certified and a member of the ASPS. Hope that helps! 

Hello and thank you for your question.The American Board of Plastic Surgery certifies that plastic surgeons are competent to perform plastic surgery by having them pass rigorous oral and written examinations. This is the most important certification your plastic surgeon should have.ASPS is a society. It does not provide certification, so while it is an added credential your surgeon may have, and a good one, it isn't quite as necessary as long as you have a surgeon who is well trained, experienced and certified by ABPS. Best of luck!Just as an added note, I am a member of ASPS, so I am not saying it's not as necessary because it is not something I'm a part of.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is responsible for certifying that plastic surgeons are both safe AND ethical.  This is the only agency in the United States that can bestow the title of "board certified" to plastic surgeons.  In order to become board certified by the ABPS, a candidate must pass rigorous written and oral examinations, each of which is only administered once annually.  After becoming board certified by the ABPS, a plastic surgeon can then apply for membership to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which is the largest organization representing plastic surgeons in the country.  You can check on the websites of both the ABPS as well as the ASPS to see if your plastic surgeon is board certified and/or a member.  Best wishes and be safe.  

The American Board of Plastic Surgery is the the official board in plastic surgery that certifies surgeons who have trained and passed examinations in plastic surgery.  The is the board certification that you should check for when choosing your surgeon.  The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is a professional society which surgeons join for continued meetings and educational purposes as well as pollitical action committees.

After 4 years of medical school a doctor studies plastic surgery for 7 to 10 years is a university program.   After that the doctor can take exams given by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.   If these exams are passed the doctor can then Join the AMERICAN SOCIETY  OF PLASTIC SURGEONS.  THEN THE DOCTOR CAN JOIN THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF AESTHETIC  PLASTIC SURGERY..    THIS IS THE PROPER ROUTE FOR A TRUE PLASTIC SURGEON.    HOPE THIS CLEARS THINGS UP FOR YOU. It is a long process for the doctor to enter into the front door of plastic surgery.  My Best,  Dr C